2017 In A Sentence: The conference play was brutal for IU—the Hoosiers were 0-6 in the Big Ten before beating Illinois and Rutgers but one-score loss at rival Purdue eliminated Indiana from bowl contention in Coach Tom Allen’s first season to finish 5-7.

Biggest Shoes to Fill: WR Simmie Cobbs, Jr. took a medical redshirt in 2016 after playing in only one game that season due to an ankle injury. After his redshirt junior season in 2017, Cobbs entered the 2018 NFL Draft. During his career, he had 139 receptions for 1,990 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is also tied for fourth in Indiana history with seven 100-yard games. He was not selected in the NFL Draft and signed a college free agent contract with the Washington Redskins.

Courtesy of IU Athletics

Key Player: WR Luke Timian was second to Cobbs in receiving last year and will look to take the lead receiver role this season. The now senior had 68 receptions and should also be helped by leading 2016 receiver Nick Westbrook, who is back after missing the 2017 with a torn ACL.

Fearless Prediction: The Hoosier defense took a hit to graduation as just three starters are back this year. And also leading running back sophomore Morgan Ellison has been suspended indefinitely this fall camp so this year will be one with many new starters. But Indiana has three games (Florida International, Virginia, and Ball State) to start the season that could help get some experience and still get victories. The Big 10 East is tough but with a little luck to turn close losses into close victories, this team is capable of getting to bowl eligibility this year.